Traveling pregnant: what precautions to take? - Featured

2023-07-28 12:26:49

July 28, 2023

Even pregnant and except in the case of a particular pathology, it is quite possible to travel. What are the recommendations? When is the best time to go? What is the most suitable mode of transport? We take stock.

With the exception of pathological pregnancies, pregnant women can also travel. However, while pregnancy involves many physiological changes, it is recommended to take certain precautions. Starting with the best time to travel.

The best time to leave

« The second trimester (from the 16^e at the 24^e week of pregnancy included) is the most appropriate, as this is usually the period when the pregnant woman feels the best and the risk of complications is lowest”, notes the Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine. During this period, the risks of miscarriage and premature delivery are lower and nausea is less frequent than in the first trimester.

Traveling in the third trimester can be riskier, especially the last two months when childbirth can occur at any time. Everything will depend on the destination and the mode of transport chosen to get there.

What modes of transport?

In an uncomplicated pregnancy, pregnant women can travel up to the 36^e week. “Most airlines refuse women in the last month of their pregnancy (the last 2 months in case of multiple pregnancies)”, explains the Vidal. While some companies, such as Air France, do not require you to provide a medical certificate, others ask for it before boarding. It is therefore more prudent to consult your doctor to be sure of being able to board the plane on the day of departure.

For boat cruises, the companies are even stricter. According to the Vidal, “cruises refuse pregnant women beyond the 6th month”. However, the number of weeks may vary depending on the company, it is better to find out before departure and to have a recent medical certificate on D-Day.

If there is no contraindication concerning a long car journey, the best is probably not to be alone to drive. The pregnant woman will thus be able to take long breaks to rest and will not be alone in the event of contractions.. “If you drive, limit yourself to a five or six hour drive with frequent stops,” recommend the Vidal. Note that in the first trimester, nausea and fatigue can be particularly disabling for serene driving.

The train is a good solution for traveling while pregnant. If you are alone, get help carrying your luggage.

What precautions to take?

In the car, wearing a seat belt is obviously compulsory. During direct trauma – sudden braking for example – there may be a risk of placental abruption. Remember to place the belt well under your belly. During the third trimester, be sure to ride as smoothly as possible to avoid jerking.

During pregnancy, the risk of venous thrombosis increases. By train, by boat and especially by plane, do not hesitate to get up and walk for a few minutes, every two hours, at least. Move, change position regularly. In the car, stop and stretch your legs regularly.

Wear loose clothing and wear compression stockings if necessary. Hydrate very regularly with water and avoid diuretics such as tea or coffee.

What about the destination?

“It is better to avoid countries abroad which can be the focus of dangerous infections, those where hygiene conditions are not optimal or those in which medical structures are scarce”, explains on the Caf website Tiphaine Beillat, gynecologist at the Clinique Mathilde in Rouen. In addition, in case of infection, many treatments are contraindicated in pregnancy.

The Geneva University Hospitals recommend avoiding high mountains, above 2,000 to 2,500 meters in altitude. Pregnant women are indeed at increased risk of hypoxia – lack of oxygen.

Sports holidays should also be considered with caution. Activities that involve shaking, such as canyoning, should be avoided. Scuba diving is also contraindicated, again for risk of hypoxia.

Before embarking on a trip, it is recommended to speak to your doctor, gynecologist or midwife.

Source : Swiss Society for Tropical Diseases and Travel Medicine, Vidal, Caf, Geneva University Hospitals
Written by : Dorothée Duchemin – Edited by Emmanuel Ducreuzet